TREES on the controversial Longridge site in Marton West, Middlesbrough have been saved - for the time being at least.

Protesters feared Middlesbrough Council would move in the near future to remove the trees on the site under the existing felling licence.

The council has plans to sell off the site for housing.

Campaigners fighting to preserve Longridge Wood as an asset to the local area have welcomed the decision.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon told the Gazette: “I do not intend to go into the detail of Longridge Wood as I have spoken on the subject on numerous occasions.

“It is a site that has been earmarked for development for many years and it is vital we use that piece of land for housing development in the future.

“However we have no preferred developer at the present time and having listened to many people I have concluded it would be wrong to fell the trees when there is no prospect in the near future of the site being developed.

“I am not sure how long it will take to progress Longridge Wood bearing in mind there are many other housing developments on the agenda - it may take a few months or even a few years. Only time will tell,” said Mr Mallon.

Local councillor Chris Hobson, a leading member of Friends of Longridge Wood, said the campaigners had fought for six years to preserve the site.

“We have won another battle and hopefully one day we may win the war.

“Developers out there must realise that Friends of Longridge Wood are determined to save this piece of land for the future.

“Our children and grand-children deserve to grow up with green spaces around them,” said Cllr Hobson.

She said it was wonderful news the decision had been taken not to go ahead and fell the trees in the near future.

Longridge Wood is the last site earmarked in the Coulby Newham Masterplan to be developed for housing. Around 80 homes could be built on the site. At one time the council was set to receive around £8m for the site but no sale has yet taken place.